Seeking Beta Testers for Advanced PHD2 Planetary Guiding Module

[Leo Shatz]

I'm thrilled to share the advanced beta version of my newly developed module for PHD2, designed for guiding on planetary disks and surface features. Originally conceived for solar and lunar imaging, its utility has been extended to enable planetary imaging, and thus I've aptly named it “Planetary Mode”. This module is not just a concept; it's a robust tool that has undergone real-world testing. Now, in its advanced stage of development, it’s ready to assist and expand the possibilities of high-magnification imaging of celestial bodies.

New Features:

* Planetary Disk Guiding: Ideal for comprehensive imaging of solar, lunar, and planetary disks, as well as crescent shapes.
* Surface Feature Guiding: Offers enhanced tracking precision for detailed imaging of specific surface features.

Applications:

Time-Lapse Photography: Perfect for capturing the rotation of planets like Jupiter, the evolving surface of the Sun, or the dynamic landscape of the Moon.
Transient Phenomena Capturing: Invaluable for long-duration time-lapses, keeping subjects such as solar flares or lunar transit events centered for hours.
New Feature Consideration: I'm exploring additional features and am eager for input from experienced astrophotographers.

Beta Testers Wanted: Your expertise can play a pivotal role in refining this module. Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or a dedicated amateur, your insights and feedback from real-world testing are invaluable.

How to Get Involved:

Join the Facebook Group: Get usage instructions and the download link here: 

PHD2 Solar & Lunar Tracking (beta) Forum

Alternatively, download the Windows binaries from:

GitHub - phd2.planetary

Put It to the Test: Experiment with a range of celestial targets. Push the limits of long-duration time-lapses and high-magnification imaging.
Share Your Findings: I’m particularly interested in your experiences, challenges, and any constructive feedback. Feel free to post in this thread or reach out to me privately.

Your participation is crucial in perfecting this tool for the astrophotography community. I'm excited to see the creative applications and stunning imagery you'll capture using this new module.

Thank you for your support and contributions to this innovative endeavor.

Clear Skies,
Leo Shatz

[Mark Freedman]

Hi, Leo - sounds like a great achievement. I'm not on Facebook - can you provide an independent link to the program?

Thanks,

Mark Freedman

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Open PHD Guiding" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to open-phd-guidi...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/open-phd-guiding/8c4046e7-9735-44d9-8c22-86c2cd1ec1d7n%40googlegroups.com.

[Brian Valente]

Mark

>>>Alternatively, download the Windows binaries from:

GitHub - phd2.planetary

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/open-phd-guiding/CACSidE0kF7bkoyJEFrtz7r6GF9g1qKjx8BHN%3D-M-maaGLFXKrg%40mail.gmail.com.

--

Brian 

Brian Valente

astronomy portfolio https://www.astrobin.com/users/bvalente/ 

nature portfolio brianvalentephotography.com 

other astronomy https://www.brianvalentephotography.com/astrophotography/ 

[Leo Shatz]

Hi Mark, thank you! I see that Brian already pointed you to the GitHub (repeating what I said in the original post). I'm aware that one of the weak points of the project is its sparse documentation. I have several posts on the FB group covering the recommended workflow and information for users. As other alternative, you may wish to follow my announcement on AstroBin forum at this link and post your questions here: Discussion on AstroBin Forum

Thanks,

Leo

[mfree...@gmail.com]

Thank you for the response. I will follow your guidelines. If this program works the way it appears, it could revolutionize planetary imaging - very exciting.

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 7, 2024, at 11:21 AM, Leo Shatz <leonid...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Mark, thank you! I see that Brian already pointed you to the GitHub (repeating what I said in the original post). I'm aware that one of the weak points of the project is its sparse documentation. I have several posts on the FB group covering the recommended workflow and information for users. As other alternative, you may wish to follow my announcement on AstroBin forum at this link and post your questions here: Discussion on AstroBin Forum

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/open-phd-guiding/c59b0c5a-6021-419f-b8f6-887fcebb0ba4n%40googlegroups.com.

[Leo Shatz]

It's hard to say how revolutionary it will be until it will be tested and approved by its users. I decided to develop it as a means to replace a solar guider for my own needs, but haven't yet got a chance to put it to the real test with my own gear. Based on reports from few folks - it managed to keep the target centered in frame for hours.

[Starflyer]

This would be a game changer for my for solar imaging, unfortunately I won't be able to test it until later in the spring when the sun gets high enough to clear my house.  I've often wondered why a solar mode was never developed for PHD2, let's face it the program has come such a long way in ten years, it does some truly incredible stuff now, how hard can it be to guide on one large white circle? ;-)

I 've tried the solar guiding in Sharpcap several times and just can't get it to work reliably, this is despite getting 0.3 - 0.5 arcsec/px on my DSO rig on the same mount.  I can't afford to shell out on a dedicated solar guider but it would be relatively cheap to add a small white light guidescope to my solar scope.

Thanks for your work on developing this, can't wait to try it.

Ian

[Leo Shatz]

Hi Ian, I encountered similar issues with SharpCap and other programs I've tried, which led me to consider extending the existing PHD2 guiding capabilities as a potential solution. However, due to the less stable atmosphere and the heat emitted by the sun, the accuracy of detecting the center of the solar disk may not be as precise as nighttime guiding. Fortunately, solar imaging typically involves very short exposure times, so this should not present a significant obstacle. Funny, but I'm waiting for summer time for the same reason that you are waiting for the spring, but I hope to start running some tests on my roof very soon, thought it will require more efforts on my part. So far I was doing most of my own tests running simulations.

[Brian Valente]

>>>how hard can it be to guide on one large white circle?

>>> I 've tried the solar guiding in Sharpcap several times and just can't get it to work reliably

Sharpcap has been doing this for a number of years, so maybe you answered your own question? ;)

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/open-phd-guiding/4443692a-89e6-4f0c-b5ec-b867b3be07edn%40googlegroups.com.

[BruceS]

I've been testing Leo's solar tracking since last December. He's come a long way in a short time. I have a small area on my patio with a view of the sun for a few hours and it tracks great. Even through clouds and the trees it's been able to keep up pretty well. Will try some lunar testing when the moon rises at a reasonable hour.